title: Comparing a Christian physicians' support group with the Balint Group.
abstract: The influence of religious beliefs on physicians' social attitudes and medical practices is not as yet adequately discussed in the literature. This paper describes a Christian physician support group and contrast it with the more traditional Balint model support group. Issues of membership, leadership, and use of the group are discussed. The potential use and misuse of religiously oriented support groups are outlined. Thirteen Christian physician members of a study group were given questionnaires regarding participation in and expectations of the group. They were asked to comment on the extent to which their religious convictions influenced their practice of medicine. Participants discussed a wide range of issues both personal and professional. They benefited from the opportunity to share views with others who brought a spiritual perspective to patient care. Members stated that their spiritual beliefs influenced their attitudes toward social issues, such as abortion and divorce, and their practice of medicine, for example, by praying with and for their patients. The group provided a safe place to explore these beliefs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: McKee
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Worby
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002835:Christianity; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010820:Physicians; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D012068:Religion and Medicine; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires